Change in level of physical activity and risk of all-cause mortality or reinfarction - The Corpus Christi Heart Project

Background-The role of physical activity (PA) in reducing the risk of all-c ause mortality or reinfarction after a first myocardial infarction (MI) rem ains unresolved, particularly for minority populations. The association bet ween change in level of PA and risk of death or reinfarction was studied in 406 Mexican American and non-Hispanic white women and men who survived a f irst MI. Methods and Results-MI patients were interviewed at baseline and annually t hereafter about PA, medical history, and risk factors of coronary heart dis ease. Change in level of PA after the index MI was categorized as (1) seden tary, no change (referent group), (2) decreased activity, (3) increased act ivity, and (4) active, no change. Over a 7-year period, the relative risk ( 95% CI) of death was as follows: 0.21 (0.10 to 0.44) for the active, no cha nge group; 0.11 (0.03 to 0146) for the increased activity group; and 0.49 ( 0.26 to 0.90) for the decreased activity group. The relative risk of reinfa rction was as follows. 0.40 (0.24 to 0.66) for the active, no change group; 0.22 (0.09 to 0.50) for the increased activity group; and 0.93 (0.59 to 1. 42) for the decreased activity group. Conclusions-These findings are consistent with a beneficial role of PA for Mexican American and non-Hispanic white women and men who survive a first M I and have practical implications for the management of MI survivors.